However, i've never really seen the logic in taking those paths when you can just take the safe and slow approach. 

Never fully trust anyone that isn't willing to share the negative aspects of all this.As I'm sure you've experienced, this can be a very rewarding path to take and depending on your grit and determination, overcoming all the pitfalls are well worth the effort.Cheers and drive safe!

It sounds like a single family house where you will be living in the house(personal use).Therefore, you may not be getting the tax benefits you think you are.Consult an accountant.I am not sure why your sister would agree to this as well, she is losing $170,000 in this transaction and she faces the possibility of you increasing her rent.You also have to charge market rent or close to market rent or it is all deemed personal use.

So, you tell me, would you have considered this transaction as cash?

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

The listing showed a price and transaction history for the home.

Traditional financial planners make the bulk of their income from commissions on stocks and bonds, so real estate will often times get dumped into an "other" category that doesn't get the proper attention.In my experience, we did receive a lot of help from real estate agents that are able to help us with our upcoming transaction, HOWEVER, they aren't setup to support the overall plan design in a way that was centered around the most important financial kpis.  

If you use cash flow - it's more safe imo and debt leverage is risk but reward if you execute on a value add project.

Prioritize Safety and SecurityRenters value safe areas.

With record low inventory and sales transactions there's no low hanging fruit.In this market we think the best opportunities are value-add (BRRRR'ish), zoning changes allowing density (ADUs), or seller financing deals (buy a lower rate).